France struck out 11 and walked one, a first inning free pass that was the difference between a no-hitter and a perfect game.

“He just had great command all day and handled the East Palestine lineup pretty much single-handedly,” CM coach Brian Camp said.

Camp said two stellar defensive plays kept the no-hitter alive — David Poynter with a catch in left field in the fourth and JT Wolf with a catch in centerfield.

“The rest was all Aric,” Camp said.

In the second game, Clinton-Massie held on for an 8-7 win. Hunter Fentress, who has not pitched because of injury, made his 2016 debut and picked up the victory. France came back to record the final out and earned a save.

“We weren’t sure when he would get back,” Camp said. “Considering it was his first day back to pitching, he was nothing short of masterful.”

Fentress went 5 2/3 innings before turning the ball over to France.

Clinton-Massie led 4-3 going to the sixth then plated four runs to go up 8-4.

For the day, JP Cantrell had four hits for Clinton-Massie while Weston Trampler had three. AJ Perkins had two hits.

“I would also like to take this time to thank all the parents who helped over the weekend with the concessions and providing the food for both teams, it is appreciated,” Camp said.